The Dedalus Book of Estonian Literature - Couverture souple

The Dedalus Book of Estonian Literature offers a wide-ranging selection of fiction from the end of the nineteenth century until the present day, including work by Estonia s classic and most important contemporary authors. This is the most important selection of Estonian fiction to have appeared in English and will be essential reading for anyone wanting to gain an idea of Estonian Literature and for the many British visitors to Estonia. Estonia is one of the smallest and least populated countries in the European Union. It has a population of about 1.4 million. For most of its history it has been part of its larger neighbours, Sweden and Russia. It regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.It is really in the nineteenth- century that Estonian Literature develops and a prose tradition established. This anthology features work by significant authors in this period such as Eduard Vilde and Juhan Liiv and extends to the modern day with contributions from leading contemporary authors such as Peeter Sauter and Eeva Park. Estonia s most famous and widely-translated author is Jaan Kross, who could become the first Estonian author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. He is represented in the anthology by Uncle (1990). Contents Upheavals in the Borderlands: Jan Kaus Maiden of the North: August Gailit Flash Photography: Karl August Hindrey Bread: Eduard Vilde On Lake Peipsi: Juhan Liiv Bird Cherry Petals: Friedebert Tuglas Grandfather s Death: Anton Hansen Tammsaare Night of Souls: Karl Ristikivi Eight Japanese Ladies: Arvo Valton Uncle: Jaan Kross An Empty Beach: Mati Unt The Collector: Rein Saluri The Rococo Lady: Maimu Berg Chance Encounter: Eeva Park Stomach Ache: Peeter Sauter Nuuma Aljla: Madis Ktiv Aspendal the Rainmaker: Mehis Heinsaar Afterword

Since 1983, Dedalus has been publishing books, many of them frankly on the fringes, but most of which wouldn t make it into English if it weren t for this tiny company with two employees. Their ambitiously esoteric list boasts a number of minor European classics, originally written in Finnish or Flemish or French, quite a few described in their catalogue as decadent or grotesque . They operate on the margins and struggle for funding but the world would be a poorer place without them. This anthology of 16 pieces is a case in point. Fiction from Estonia one of the smallest countries of the European Union is never going to compete for sales with the life and druggie times of Amy Winehouse. But it s a significant contribution to our literary culture and a reason to cherish a press such as Dedalus. --Keith Richmond in Tribune

This chunky book gathers together fiction by Estonian authors dating from the 19th century to today. With a range of prose and discourse styles, it features strong pieces including a semi-autobiographical work by Jaan Kross about a student in World War 11, Eeva Park s startling account of relationship troubles and extracts from a diary by Mati Unt that challenges readers with its lack of punctuation. It s a neat bundle for anyone for anyone wanting to dive into the creative depths of Estonia. --AP in Buzz Magazine